Residents block Dhaka-Sylhet highway over waste dump

RUPGANJ, NARAYANGANJ, Aug 24: Residents blocked the Dhaka-Sylhet highway and held a demonstration in Rupganj on Monday, demanding an end to indiscriminate dumping of waste beside the highway and removal of a roadside waste dump.

The protesters blocked the road around noon at Tarabo Bishwa Road area in the upazila.

The blockade caused severe traffic congestion in Bishwa Road, Tarabo, Barabo and adjoining areas.

At the demonstration and human chain, residents alleged that waste from different wards of Tarabo municipality had been dumped beside the busy highway without following proper waste management rules.

They said the dumping had continued for nearly three years, causing a severe stench in the area.

The waste has also raised health risks for local residents, pedestrians and students travelling to schools and colleges, they said.
Residents further alleged that during rain, waste is washed into nearby homes.

“More than 300 families live around the waste dump. People in our families are suffering from various illnesses because of the foul smell,” protesters said.

They also claimed that part of the highway had been occupied by dumped waste, contributing to severe traffic congestion.

The protesters demanded immediate removal of the dump from the residential and busy commercial area and urged the municipal authorities and administration to establish an environmentally friendly waste management system at a suitable isolated location.

They warned of tougher social and road-based protests if the problem was not resolved soon.

The protesters later withdrew the blockade following assurances from local BNP leaders and police.